Bike Whatcha Like

Local artists transformed previously-owned bikes into works of art through the Street Art Committee's "Bike Whatcha Like" exhibit on Cicero Avenue. As you will see, these artists did a tremendous job recycling these modes of transportation into clever and creative pieces of art. The bikes will be on display through October 2017.

Doggy Tails

Artist: Dave King
Location: 15711 S. Cicero Avenue
About the Bike: Dave King, who owns and operates 4 Paws Playhouse at 15711 S. Cicero Avenue had a little help from his furry friends when painting his bike. After Dave white-washed the bike, he let his dogs use their tails to splash color on it. He also embellished the bike with tennis balls, which his dogs love to play fetch with.

Color in Motion

Artists: Abby Bronner, Ellen Kempski, Kaitlyn Alejandro, Eddie Binol, and Kirmi Patel
Location: 15642 S. Cicero Avenue
About the Bike: Led by Kaitlyn Alenjandro and Ellen Kempski, the Oak Forest High School Art Club created an abstract bike with the swirls of color. The art club students intended it to simply be strokes of color as if someone was painting in the air.

Happy Birthday, America!

Artist: Joseph Plank
Location: 15618 S. Cicero Avenue
About the Bike:

Be a Rainbow in Someone Else's Cloud

Artist: Rich Rinchich
Location: 15659 S. Cicero Avenue
About the Bikes: Artist Rich Rinchich was inspired by American poet Dr. Maya Angelou, who encouraged people to apply a “rainbow in the clouds” philosophy in their own lives. “The thing to do, it seems to me, is to prepare yourself so you can be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud. Somebody who may not look like you. May not call God the same name you call God — if they call God at all,” she said. “I may not dance your dances or speak your language. But be a blessing to somebody. That’s what I think.”

Pokemon

Artist: Shannon Hurley
Location: 15619 S. Cicero Avenue
About the Bike: Artist Shannon Hurley caught the Pokémon craze from her four kids, who range in age between 1 and 7. Her bike is covered in Pokemon cards featuring creatures of all shapes and sizes who live in the wild or alongside humans. For the most part, Pokémon do not speak except to utter their names. Pokémon are raised and commanded by their owners (called “Trainers”). During their adventures, Pokémon grow and become more experienced and even, on occasion, evolve into stronger Pokémon. There are currently more than 700 creatures that inhabit the Pokémon universe.

Pedal Your Way to Pizza

Artist: Susan Hoffman
Location: 15604 S. Cicero Avenue
About the Bike: Beggars Pizza kept their bike in the family by commissioning owner Larry Garetto’s sister Susan Hoffman as the artist. Susan stayed true to the exhibit’s mission to recycle by using an old bike from her garage and items from the restaurant. The pizza wheels were created using circles from old bar stools, the license plate on the back belongs to Larry, and the American flag resembles the one the Beggar guy wears in his hat. Susan’s “rustic” bike definitely captures the spirit and heritage of Beggars Pizza!

The Party is Here!

Artists: Paul Hosman and Janet Kentner
Location: 15541 S. Cicero Avenue
About the Bike: Paul Hosman, owner of Cindy's Pub, and Janet Kentner were inspired by summer fun when creating their bike. According to Paul, summertime is a great time in the City of Oak Forest and there's no better sunscreen than sitting in a bar! The party starts at Cindy's Pub and usually ends there too, so stop in for a cold one with Paul and Janet!

Ride with Quality

Artist: Cindy Fudge, Quality Printing
Location: 15548 S. Cicero Avenue
About the Bike: Quality Printing Owner Cindy Fudge painted her bike green to coincide with the recycling/renewal theme of the street art exhibit. Cindy's friend Kathy Baraban helped to accessorize the bike with a braided tablecloth and green and white pom poms while her friend John Kennedy, the Accessory Doctor, added some flair on the tires. The finishing touch was a basket of yellow flowers provided by her granddaughter.

Pedal with the Parks

Artist: Oak Forest Park District
Location: 15543 S. Cicero Avenue
About the Bike:

Good Hands Ride

Artist: Susan Semanate
Location: 15542 S. Cicero Avenue
About the Bike: Insurance Agent Susan Semanate and her team help their customers and the Oak Forest community realize their hopes and dreams by providing the best products and services to protect them from life’s uncertainties and prepare them for the future. Susan's bike stays true to Allstate's branding and "Good Hands" message while adding some fun flowers and fringe along the bike's frame.

Geocaching Adventures

Artist: Melissa Gula-Wyszynski
Location: 15533 S. Cicero Avenue
About the Bike:

Pedal in for a Spell

Artist: Witchy Wearables
Location: 15530 S. Cicero Avenue
About the Bike:

Reading is the Way

Artist: Hailey Gula
Location: 15511 S. Cicero Avenue
About the Bike:

A Ride through the Woods

Artists: Linda Marsink and Chris Tuttle
Location: 15512 S. Cicero Avenue
About the Bike: Don Vacha, owner of Vacha Forest Flowers at 6260 West 159th Street left the bike in the capable hands of two of his designers, Linda and Chris. The bike is a representation of a bicycle left to nature and how nature would take it over.

A Table for Two

Artist: Diane Wolf
Location: 15510 S. Cicero Avenue
About the Bike:

Tortuga

Artist: Taylor Scholtens
Location: 15507 S. Cicero Avenue
About the Bike: Artist Taylor Scholtens decided on the turtle theme because turtles are her all-time favorite animal and seeing turtles brings her joy. Taylor hopes others can feel joy when they look at her whimsical, green, upside-down bicycle turned into a turtle paradise.

All American

Artist: Patti Griffin
Location: 15146 S. Cicero Avenue
About the Bikes: Resident Patti Griffin, owner of Patti G's Hair Salon and Day Spa at 15146 S. Cicero Avenue carefully painted each bike red, white and blue to show that she is proud to be an American. American flags, flowers, pinwheels and stars add some creative flair to this patriotic trio of bikes.